Opening Day at Chez Target

A View from the Top: MN Twins's Target Field , originally uploaded by meetminneapolis.

Further proof Jon Lester has somehow had his genes spliced with Josh Beckett's: he stormed off the field spitting curses, then pitched a full-on screaming tantrum in the dugout yesterday, after surrendering two runs and throwing 30 pitches in the first inning. He followed up his torturous four-run, five-inning start with a sullen press conference. Not quite the snarl of Beckett, but glowering nonetheless.

April, as has been pointed out pretty much everywhere, including from behind the microphones and tape recorders jammed in his glaring face yesterday, is not Lester's month -- his record today stands at 2-5 with a 5.08 ERA in 14 career April starts.

April has continued to be a cruel mistress for Ortiz as well. He started off yesterday's game with his 10th strikeout of the season. But he followed that with one of the two Sox RBI on the day with a fly ball that ate up Delmon Young (Thanks again, Delmon!).

But it wasn't scored an error! And so Papi was 1-1 w/RISP! And whatever it is you're saying about rivers in Egypt, lalalalalalala I can't hear you!!

OK, seriously--on July 14, I would agree totally that he should be taken out of the lineup. On April 14, I say, even if it's a formality, we give him a chance. He's earned at least that much.

Meanwhile, the Sox dropped another series opener and opponents' home opener on this road swing. Maybe it was all that strange sunshine in the new outdoor Target Field. But seriously...yesterday, Carl Pavano put in 6 innings, surrendering one run on four hits. Carl Pavano?

Also, Victor Martinez has thrown out exactly one runner trying to steal this year, while three baserunners coasted into second against him yesterday -- his 10th, 11th and 12th of the season (per A.Benjamin, via JoS).

I'm not expecting the Sox to go 162-0. But tomorrow I'd like to see them maintain just a little more, you know, dignity. And maybe get back to .500 again.

Comments

[Dad]

As the story goes, "You can't win the pennant in the first month of the season. But you can lose it." Not saying that the Sox are going to lose anything yet. But the "pitching and defense" philosophy better kick in soon.

Also think that Papi will be on a short leash this season. Tito has little choice with Lowell on the bench and Papi REALLY struggling.

[Maxwell Horse]

For some reason it's not as comical/awesome when Lester flies into a rage as it is with Beckett.

[Sam]

Man, I was kinda skimming, and this--

//April has continued to be a cruel mistress for Ortiz as well.//

--jumped out and terrified me for a few seconds. NO, PAPI, NO. Oh, wait. Nevermind. Carry on.